Moringa

Moringa Young Plants & Seeds.

Moringa young plants & seeds. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is native to India and is now grown in many parts of the world. The nutrient dense young seed pods and leaves are eaten as vegetables. Almost all parts of the Moringa tree are edible. The immature seed pods can be cooked like green beans, the leaves like spinach and Moringa roots like horseradish. Moringa flowers, seeds and bark are also nutritious and have various medicinal uses.

It is a fast growing, drought resistant, deciduous tree which can grow up to 12m tall. It has yellowish-white flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Moringa prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil. It loves sun and heat and does not do well in very cold conditions.

The ideal soil temperature for Moringa seed germination is 25 to 30°C and the germination time ranges between 14 and 30 days.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil Young Plants & Seeds.

Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a member of the mint family. It is native to tropical Asia, but is now found in most tropical parts of the world. Holy Basil is one of the most sacred plants in India, where it has been grown for over 3000 years. It is commonly used to help alleviate stress and strengthen the nervous system. The plant will grow to about 50cm in height. It does best in full sun or part shade and rich, moist soil.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus Young shrubs, Cuttings & Seeds.

This type of Hibiscus, also called Roselle, is a species native to West Africa, used for the productions of carcade tea. Roselle is extensively used as a vegetable in Andhra, Burmese, India and Philippines. It is also used as a folk medicine and is rich in antioxidants.

Goji Berry

Goji Berry Young Plants & Seeds.

Goji Berry young plants & seeds. Goji Berry is a perennial, frost hardy shrub from China, cultivated for its medicinal properties and as a super food. The berries are highly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Goji Berries are delicious as a healthy snack, pressed or blended into fresh juice or added to various dishes. The plants are easy to grow and they begin to bear plenty of fruit after the second year. To promote fruiting plant at least two plants together in well draining, rich soil.

Elderberry

Elderberry Young Trees & Seeds.

Elderberry young trees & seeds. Elderberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to about 6m tall and wide. The ripe dark blue/purple berries are edible after cooking and can be used to make jam, jelly, chutney, syrups, juice, wine and sauces. The flowers are used to make Elderflower cordial or mildly alcoholic sparkling Elderflower “champagne”. The stem-bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and root extracts are used by herbalists for medicinal purposes.

Balm of Gilead

Balm of Gilead Plants, Cuttings & Seeds.

This tender perennial is native to the Americas and the Canary Islands. The name ‘Balm of Gilead’ has been given because of its lemon and camphor-like odour and not through any resemblance to the Poplar family or the true Balm of Gilead. The leaves make a pleasant tea, bath, potpourri, insect repellent or a fragrant herb pillow.

Chinese Date / Jujube

Chinese Date / Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) Young Plants & Seeds.

Chinese Date is a small deciduous tree. It has glossy green leaves and oval-shaped fruit which become dark brown when ripe.

Chinese date grows well in warm, dry climates, but can tolerate cold winters (as low as -29 C.) Growing jujube trees is relatively easy. Jujube grows best in planted in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. They are not particular about soil pH.

Apart from being a very popular food with a whole variety of culinary uses, the fruit and seeds are used in Chinese and Korean traditional medicine. They will do best in a warm, sunny location in sandy, well-drained soil.

Harvesting Chinese Date Fruit

It is very easy when it comes times for harvesting Jujube. When the fruit has turned dark brown, it will be ready to harvest but the fruits can be left on the tree until it fully dries. The fruit should be firm to the touch.

When picking the Jujube fruit, cut the stem, rather than pulling them from the tree. The fruit is best stored in a cool place between 11 – 13 C in a green fruit bag or, if they are completely dry, in an airtight container.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Young Plants & Seeds.

Ashwagandha young plants & seeds. Ashwagandha is a small woody shrub native to India which belongs to the nightshade family . It can grow up to about 1m tall, has light green leaves and red berries. It is one of the most valued medicinal herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and one of the best adaptogens and rejuvenating tonics around.

Ashwagandha is a strong and vigorous plant which grows well in full sun and fairly dry conditions.

Liquorice

Liquorice Young Plants & Seeds.

Liquorice young plants & seeds. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), also known as “Sweet Root” is a herbaceous perennial legume native to South-east Europe and South-west Asia. It grows to about 1.5m tall with light blue to violet flowers. Liquorice is usually grown for its roots which have a sweet anise-like flavour and a range of medicinal properties. It grows best in full sun. The roots will be ready to harvest after about two years.

Jiaogulan Plants

Jiaogulan Plants, Cuttings & Seeds.

Jiaogulan plants, cuttings and seeds. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is native to mountainous or forested areas of Asia. In China, it is regarded as a “Herb of Immortality” due to its many health giving qualities and anti-aging effects and it is praised for its illness-prevention and therapeutic qualities. It is a relatively easy plant to grow. Plant in nutrient rich, well-drained soil, in part shade and water occasionally. Refrain from harvesting until the plant is at least 30 – 50cm tall.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Young Plants & Seeds.

Chamomile is an attractive medicinal plant with small daisy-like flowers and a delicate apple fragrance. It makes a great addition to the garden and the dried flowers make a pleasant tasting tea which is great before bed to support good sleep, or to soothe an upset or anxious stomach. Grow in full sun or light shade, in sandy well-drained soil.

Echinacea

Echinacea Young Plants & Seeds (Echinacea purpurea).

Echinacea young plants & seeds. Echinacea is a perennial herb native to the Eastern North America. It has tall stems and striking purplish pink coneflowers which attract butterflies. Easy to grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in a sunny or semi shady spot.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle Plants & Seeds.

Milk Thistle plants & seeds. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is an annual or biennial plant which belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now found throughout the world. It grows 30 – 200cm tall, has red purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves with white veins. Milk Thistle has been used medicinally for over 2000 years for the support of liver and digestive health. This plant makes a great addition to the herb garden and does well in a dry, sunny spot.

African Dream Root

African Dream Root Young Plants & Seeds.

African Dream Root young plants & seeds. Silene capensis is native to South Africa and is now grown in many parts of the world for its special properties. Shaman’s Garden can now offer authentic viable Silene capensis seeds harvested in December 2016.
Silene capensis (Xhosa: iindlela zimhlophe — “white ways/paths”, also known as Silene undulata), is a plant native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

In cultivation, Silene capensis is an easily grown, but moisture hungry herb. It is tolerant of extreme heat, >40 °C (104 °F), and moderate cold, -5 °C (23 °F). Good seed raising mix is important. The fragrant flowers open at night and close in the day. It is a biennial to short-lived perennial and the root can be harvested after the second year.

Silene capensis is regarded by the Xhosa people as a sacred plant. Its root is traditionally used to induce vivid (and according to the Xhosa, prophetic) lucid dreams during the initiation process of shamans, classifying it a naturally occurring oneirogen similar to the more well-known dream herb Calea zacatechichi.

Mapacho/Aztec Tobacco

Mapacho/Aztec Tobacco Young Plants & Seeds.

Aztec tobacco is a very potent variety of tobacco and is said to contain more harmala alkaloids and up 9 times higher concentrations of nicotine than common tobacco. The high concentration of nicotine in its leaves makes it useful for producing natural pesticides. Aztec tobacco is commonly used for entheogenic purposes by South American shamans.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow Young Plants & Seeds.

Marshmallow is a perennial herb indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa and is used as a medicinal, ornamental and food plant. The whole plant, especially the leaves and roots, are filled with mucilage which is very soothing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Marshmallow root and leaves are traditionally used to help support a healthy digestive tract. The leaves can be applied topically as a poultice for insect bites, and the leaves and roots are a great ingredient in ointments for chapped and itchy skin.

Carob

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) Seeds.

The Carob tree, also known as St John’s-bread, or locust bean, is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the pea family. Carob is widely cultivated for its edible pods, and as an ornamental shrub or tree in gardens. The ripe, dried pod is often ground to Carob powder, which is often used instead of cocoa powder.

The Carob tree seeds germinates quickly and easily. The seeds can be soaked in water until they double in size before being planted in seed raising mix. Carob trees are reasonably frost hardy and tolerate a wide range of soils types. Will mature two years from transplant.

Black Cumin

Black Cumin Young Plants & Seeds.

Black Cumin is an annual flowering medicinal herb native to South and Southwest Asia. It grows to 20–30 cm high, and has finely divided, linear leaves. Numerous seeds are found in the relatively large and inflated fruit capsule. The seeds are not only popular as a spice, but also for supporting the immune system and promoting health and well-being. Black Cumin grows well in a sunny position, in average well-drained soil.

Absinthe Wormwood

Absinthe Wormwood Young Plants & Seeds.

Absinthe Wormwood is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and Northern Africa. It is grown as an ornamental plant and evergreen shrub with finely divided, aromatic leaves. The herb can be dried and used in moth repelling sachets, as a tea to treat intestinal worms, as an ingredient in the spirit absinthe as well as some other alcoholic drinks. The chemical name for on of the main active constituents in wormwood is thujone.

Motherwort

Motherwort Plants and Seeds.

Motherwort plants and seeds. Motherwort is an herbaceous perennial plant which belongs to the mint family. It grows upright to over 1m tall, has prickly leaves and small white and pink flowers in the summer. The word cardiaca in the Latin name demonstrates that it has a long history as a heart tonic herb. The translation of Motherwort is “mother herb”, as the tea is believed to support the reproductive system of women by assisting with some of the discomforts that may arise with menses and menopause.

Horopito

Horopito Seeds.

Horopito seeds (more will be in stock by March 2018). Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is a bushy shrub found in forests throughout New Zealand. It is also known as Pepper Tree. In the garden, it will grow 2-3m high. It has green narrow, leathery leaves speckled with red. The leaves have a very spicy, peppery flavour. It does well in good soil and can tolerate quite dry conditions although it will need watering during dry spells. Grows in sun or part shade.

Spearmint

Spearmint Young Plants & Seeds.

Spearmint is a highly aromatic perennial herb belonging to the mint family and is popular for its medicinal, culinary and cosmetic uses. It grows up to a height of 30 – 100cm and thrives best in damp soil conditions. The fresh or dried leaves make a very pleasant tasting tea which may help to soothe a sore throat and soothe an upset stomach and other digestive complaints.

Caigua

Caigua Young Plants & Seeds.

Caigua is a fast growing, prolific vine belonging to the cucumber family. It is grown for its excellent edible fruit that offers plenty of health giving and medicinal properties. As a green nutritious vegetable, Caigua is traditionally used for supporting healthy levels of cholesterol and for promoting health and wellbeing.

The fruit contains interesting phytochemicals including peptins, galacturonic acid, lipoproteins and various steroidal compounds. Caigua fruit can be eaten cooked, raw in salads, and pickled. It has a subtle flavour similar to cucumber. It is also called “Stuffing Cucumber” because of the fruit large cavity in the middle of the fruit that can be filled with foods. The tender young shoots and leaves may also be eaten as greens.

Caigua is an easy and fast growing vine and does best in full sun or part shade.

Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Young Plants.

Valerian young plants. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an attractive perennial flowering plant native to Europe and some parts of Asia. It has small sweetly perfumed white or pink flowers that attract butterflies and other flying insects. Valerian has a long history of use in Europe where its roots were recognized by Galen and Hippocrates for their support of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Valerian prefers good humus rich soil, full sun and frequent watering.

Sage

Sage Young Plants & Seeds.

Sage is an evergreen perennial herb which makes a great addition to the herb garden. The leaves have a musky and camphorous aroma, and a warm mildly spicy flavour. The small blue flowers attract bees. The name Sage is derived from the Latin word “salvere” (to save), referring to the healing properties long attributed to the plant. The fresh or dried leaves make a great medicinal tea, beneficial for soothing sore throats, hoarseness and coughs, and may help to sharpen the senses.

Sage grows best in a hot sunny position in poor free draining soil. The bush grows to between 60 – 100cm high and is best harvested from spring to autumn.

English Lavender

English Lavender Young Plants & Seeds.

English Lavender is a beautiful, strongly fragrant evergreen shrub which grows to 1-2m tall. It flowers from midsummer and attracts butterflies, bees and other winged insects. The flowers and leaves are used as a herbal medicine for supporting restful sleep and relaxation, and the flowers can be used as a culinary herb. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun.

Rue

Rue Young Plants & Seeds.

Rue, also known as “Common Rue” or “Herb-of-Grace”, is a species of Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and a medicinal herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula and is now grown throughout the world in gardens, especially for its slightly blue leaves, and sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. This herb is also cultivated for making flower bouquets, as a spice, and to a lesser extent as a cat and insect repellent.

Kanna / Kougoed

Kanna / Kougoed (Sceletium tortuosum) Young Plants/Rooted Cuttings.

Kanna is a succulent plant commonly found in South Africa. The herb has been used as a traditional remedy since prehistoric times. Traditionally prepared dried Kanna was often chewed and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been made into capsules, teas and extracts. The cuttings are very easy to grow; just plant them into cactus soil, river sand or even plain potting mix and they should sprout roots after a few weeks. They like dry conditions but will benefit from regular watering.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm Plants & Seeds.

Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial plant which belongs to the mint family. It grows to about 70 – 150cm tall, the leaves have a delicate lemon fragrance and the small white flowers attract bees. The fresh or dried leaves make a very pleasant tasting tea which may help to calm nerves and support restful sleep. It’s very easy to grow in any garden or as pot plant. Just one or two plants can be prolific enough to produce a constant supply of fresh healthy tea.

Kowhai

Kowhai Seeds Harvested Spring 2016.

Kowhai seeds harvested in 2016. Kowhai (Sophora microphylla) is a very attractive tree native to New Zealand. It grows up to 10m tall and has beautiful golden yellow flowers which appear in spring. The nectar is a favourite food of tui, kereru and korimako and attracts many lovely birds. Tui are very attracted to Kowhai and will fly long distances to get a sip of its nectar. Kowhai wood is strong and very dense and has been used in the past for machinery and tools. In the past the flowers were a source of yellow dye.

Kowhai grows well in a range of soils, is frost tender when young and frost hardy when mature. These seeds were harvested this season from a very large and beautiful tree.

Houhere / Lacebark

Houhere Young Trees & Seeds.

Houhere or Lacebark is an easy and fast growing tree native to New Zealand. It can grow up to 12m tall and has broad, oval leaves with serrated margins. The leaves are dark green, about 5 – 12cm long and 6cm wide. Lacebark produces attractive white flowers in clusters during spring. The leaves and bark of Houhere contain large amounts of mucilaginous polysaccharides or mucilage.

Tagetes lucida / Mexican Tarragon

Tagetes lucida / Mexican Tarragon Young Plants & Seeds.

Tagetes lucida is a perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. Traditionally it is used as a medicinal and entheogenic/ shamanic plant and as a culinary herb. A pleasant anise-flavoured tea can be brewed using the dried leaves and flower heads. This tea is said to have both calming and stimulating effects promoting a feeling of wellbeing. Fresh or dried Tagetes lucida herb is used as a tarragon substitute for flavouring soups and sauces. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers and the dried plant can be burnt as an incense to repel insects.

Tagetes lucida was used by the Aztecs in a ritual incense known as Yauhtli. Tagetes lucida is also used by the Huichol, mixed with Nicotiana rustica (the potent Aztec tobacco – see above) in sacred rituals.

Schisandra

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) Seeds, Cuttings & Plants.

Schisandra seeds, cuttings and plants. Schisandra, also called Magnolia Vine and Five-flavour berry. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a little tricky to grow from seed and it took us almost two years to come across viable ones here in New Zealand. However, once a Schisandra vine is growing they can be prolific and do not require much maintenance. After a few years the yield per plant can be about 3kg Schisandra berries.

Note: Schisandra seeds, cuttings and plants should be back in stock in Autumn 2017.

Pine Nut

Pine Nut Young Trees.

Pine Nut (Pinus pinea) Tree 10 – 20cm tall. Grow your own pine nuts! Pine nut is a very hardy and easy to grow tree. It will grow into a large (up to 6m tall), attractive umbrella shaped tree and will start producing pinecones containing pine nuts after about six years. A mature tree will produce about 5kg of pine nuts per year.

Wild Dagga / Lion’s Tail

Wild Dagga Tail Young Plants & Seeds.

Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its copious orange blossom spikes and accent or screening qualities for use in gardens and parks. It is a moderate drought tolerant plant, and a nectar source for birds and butterflies in landscape settings. Wild Dagga is a medicinal plant from South Africa, where Bushmen and Hottentots tribes used it for a wide range of complaints.

Pukatea

Pukatea Young Trees.

Pukatea is a large, evergreen tree, native to the forests of New Zealand. Pukatea has attractive ‘toothed’ leaves and produces small flowers. The tree can grow up to 40m high and prefers plenty of moisture, such as in damp low-land forests, gullies and on the edges of streams. Pukatea leaves contain painkilling and numbing substances, a fact you can confirm yourself just by chewing on a fresh leaf. This effect could be useful for reducing toothache or painful mouth ulcers. In the past, the light, but tough wood of Pukatea has been used for building boats. It is relatively soft, but very strong. This pale hardwood is difficult to split and upon impact it dents rather than to break. Perfect for growing your own medicine, hardwood or simply as another pretty ornamental addition to your garden.

Green / Black Tea

Green / Black Tea Young Trees, Cuttings & Seeds.

Green / Black Tea Young Trees, Cuttings & Seeds. Camellia sinensis is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree. The leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea. The plants will grow into a tree if left undisturbed, but cultivated plants are pruned to waist height for ease of plucking. Tea plants are very easy to cultivate, and within a few growing seasons you can start harvesting your own tea.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola Young Plants.

Gotu Kola young plants. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a perennial plant which belongs to the parsley family. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa and the South Pacific. It has small fan-shaped green leaves with white or light purple or pink flowers, and small fruit. The leaves do not have much taste and can be eaten whole or added to salad or stirfries. An infusion of the leaves can be beneficial for wounds and burns.

Gotu Kola is very easy to grow and does well in a semi-shady spot in moist soil. Regular harvesting of the leaves will ensure a continual supply and will encourage the plant to spread.

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Note: The information on this website is intended for your general information. This website describes the historical or traditional uses of many herbs. This is for informational purposes only, as we are not advising or prescribing herbs for any specific medical condition or for any specific use (unless the products are supplied to an individual following a consultation with one of our qualified natural health practitioners. For more information click here to be directed to the Medsafe website). Always consult your doctor, qualified health care professional and/or pharmacist for any health problems or medical conditions before using any herbs, herbal extracts, supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Do not disregard medical advice or postpone consultation with your health care professional because of information that you have read on this website. Always read the label of any supplements or natural health products you purchase and use only as directed. Consult a health care professional if symptoms persist. Customer reviews reflect individual experiences and may not be typical. Individual results may vary.
‡Weight management and special diet programs should include professional healthcare advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. This is not a meal replacement and appropriate advice on diet is important. Weight management programs take time and personal commitment to be effective.